Don't take it Personal

Disappointments & Blessings

Last night left me with a mix of emotions. Trey and I bid our farewells, and I made a promise to visit Mrs. Williams soon. On our drive back to Kingston, just when I thought things might be looking up, the landlord for the house I had planned to visit called, delivering some disappointing news.

I couldn't help but let out a frustrated sigh, prompting Trey to inquire, "Is everything okay?" I responded, "No, the house I was supposed to check out today is suddenly off the market, and I really wanted to find a place of my own. I don't want to be a burden to Blacks Cindy. Plus, I can't shake this overwhelming sense of depression, especially with the knowledge that both my sister and Cindy are pregnant, when I so desperately want to be, too. I know I shouldn't feel this way, but I can't help it."

Trey tried to console me, saying, "You will be a mom soon. Everything takes time." I couldn't help but pour out my frustrations, "I just don't see anything going my way lately."

Then, Trey made an unexpected offer, "I have an apartment available for rent. Would you like to take a look?" I hesitated, not wanting to reveal my financial situation, but Trey insisted, "I didn't ask how much you have. The apartment has been vacant for the past two months, and I usually Airbnb it, but I need to focus on my other properties. I won't take no for an answer; you're going to look at it."

As Trey and I arrived in Kingston, he pulled into a KFC over Boulevard, as we were both hungry. We ordered the BBQ 10-piece wings combo, our guilty pleasure. We ate in silence, and I sensed that Trey had something on his mind. After we finished, I noticed my sister, Shellyann, and Miller exiting the mall with shopping bags, both wearing smiles.

Trey seemed to have realized the situation as well. He swiftly stashed his juice in the cup holder and his leftover food in the back. We left the mall behind, and I couldn't help but think about the betrayal I felt from my own family. Shellyann knew that Miller was my boyfriend, yet they continued their relationship without any regard for my feelings. It was a painful reminder that even your own family can betray you, but it also gave me the strength to understand that anyone can turn their back on you.

We arrived at an aqua green apartment complex, and Trey deftly pressed the buzzer on his keychain, causing the gate to swing open. We ventured into the underground parking lot, where Trey parked his vehicle with his customary chivalry. As he hurried over to my side to open the door, I couldn't help but appreciate his gentlemanly demeanor.

I stepped out, and together, we proceeded to the elevator. Trey confidently pressed the button, and as the elevator doors gracefully slid open, he scanned his keycard, entered a pin, and selected "level 2." The elevator whisked us away, and upon reaching our destination, we exited onto the second floor.

Strolling along the corridor, we eventually arrived at a magnificent mahogany door adorned with a keyless entry feature, either activated by thumbprint or code. Trey effortlessly used his thumbprint, ushering us into what he grandly announced as my new home.

He continued, detailing the features of this two-bedroom haven. Two balconies, two bathrooms, and even a half-bathroom. My initial impression was the pristine white open concept, with the kitchen to the right, boasting a chic mini island and sleek black varnished cupboards. The white and blue black splash added a vibrant touch. The appliances included a state-of-the-art electric 6-burner stove, a stainless steel two-door fridge, and a handy mini pantry. The sink, a farmhouse aluminum steel marvel, featured an automated faucet that responded to a wave of the hand.

Two black stools sat invitingly at the island, while the living room beckoned with a 40-inch Samsung TV mounted above floating shelves. A glass dining table with four chairs took center stage, flanked by a cozy gray sofa adorned with cushions in shades of gray and white. A sliding door led to a balcony, where two white chairs promised tranquil moments.

We ventured further, passing a laundry room, a convenient walk-in closet, and then the master bedroom to the right. My eager exploration led to a bathroom with twin sinks and ample storage beneath. A walk-in shower with a comfortable seat caught my eye, although I couldn't help but wish for a bathtub. I wondered if the other bedroom might offer that luxury.

Trey and I headed to the other bedroom, passing a half bathroom en route. The second bedroom featured a double bed with a black headboard and bright yellow sheets. A closet provided space for hanging clothes and shelving for storage. The attached bathroom surprised me with a tub and a vanity, fulfilling my bathtub wish.

All in all, the apartment was exceptional, but I harbored doubts about affording it. Trey, having excused himself for a phone call while I explored the second bedroom, found me in the living room gazing out at him on the balcony. My subconscious whispered, "Girl, take the house."

I had accepted Trey's offer, letting Blacks, and Cindy know I'd be out for the weekend. They understood without me having to explain. As Monday arrived, I dreaded going to work. While I may not love my job, it pays the bills. I work the 9 am shift, which ends at 6 pm. After a shower, I smelled of coconut, wrapped in a towel. I decided to style my hair, using curling custard from Donna's recipe and eco gel to create curls. I tied it back with a black hair tie, taming my edges. Silver stud earrings and a Michael Kors watch adorned me. I dressed in a navy blue pencil skirt that cinched my waist and a branded white work shirt. Dark blue flats completed the outfit. I lotioned my hands and feet with coconut body butter and sprayed my favorite coconut and cinnamon body splash. Grabbing my bag, I headed out to meet Blacks, who was giving me a ride to work.

Arriving with 15 minutes to spare, I grabbed a mocha latte from the cafeteria. On my way to my desk, I heard someone shout my name. It was Damion from the IT department, a friend I'd made since my first day. He was dressed in a white shirt, black pants, and black loafers, his smile revealing pearly white teeth.

"Hey, how was your weekend?" he asked.

"It was good, to say the least," I replied.

"Guess what I heard? Layoffs are coming," he said.

Concerned, I looked at him, as I hadn't heard about this. Just as I was about to respond, my phone rang, showing my mother's caller ID. I told Damion I had to take the call and walked off. Our office was divided into cubicles, and I worked in a call center, handling various accounts. Ignoring my mother's call, I made my way to my desk and logged into my computer, ready to start the day's work.

During lunch, everyone buzzed with conversation about the impending layoffs, which we'd all received confirmation emails about. It was disheartening to learn that by Thursday, we would find out whether we were on the list. The reason cited was the company's inability to sustain payroll for its extensive staff of over 200 employees.

Thursday arrived, and with it, the moment I had dreaded. I found my name on the list of those affected. We were given the option to continue working for the month or accept a severance package. I chose the latter, making today my final day at the company. Damion and I shared a heartfelt hug, promising to stay in touch.

Upon returning home, I found neither Blacks nor Cindy there. I decided to pack my belongings while contemplating how everything in my life had suddenly shifted. I couldn't help but ponder whether change was a good or bad thing, questioning the uncertain path that lay ahead.

Author Note
This chapter is a bit longer finding myself just typing along.
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